Hi there friends or rather hey, yall! Today finds me creating at my desk, I’m editing dies, creating new dies and much, much more! I have to say these little dies are almost like my children. I hope, dream and pray over them and then try to breathe them to life; some times it requires a little push and a little persuade to get my more unique designs out there.
That’s quite the case with the dies I’m showing today, they were put on the back burner for a couple of years and released in January 2015. Today when I surf the internet I see quite a few die designers are coming out with dies very similar to these unique elegant pocket card fronts, so it warms my heart when some of my more unique ideas take root!
Today I’m sharing a card made with Spellbinders Swirl Bliss Pocket and Spellbinders Arched Elegance Pocket. I pulled them right out of my stash today because I’m sad to say that one of them has hit the discontinue list – when it is gone, it is gone (in spite of my best pout and sad puppy dog eyes). Spellbinders Swirl Bliss Pocket is the one that is going away. I will continue to use it here, but I’ll tell you honestly, if this hasn’t hit your collection, you might want to think about it now. Why am I telling you this? Oh.my.goodness – if I had a dime for every time someone asked me to help them find a die that was no longer available…. Because so many dies are scheduled to hit the market, quite a few of mine are being retired (that retired word sounds better doesn’t it?) so going forward, I’ll identify those dies as I use them so that you can get them before they are gone…
So you see, today my card is really, really made with love – I feel like my daughter is going away to college or something and I have to lay some extra love on her, lol!! I’ve never done this before – I layered double pockets on a tall card! And, I don’t think I’ve ever been able to say this, but it’s a flat card. There is no foam tape anywhere on this card! Okay, so how did it go together. First of all the card size is 4-1/4″ x 8-1/2″ . Since you would normally need 17″ paper folded in half to get the card base, I used the hinged method I developed HERE but, I constructed the pieces of the card then glued the hinge together at the end. That way I could fold the tabs for the pockets over the top edge first. No worries, I’ll explain it all here, so here we go . . .
- For my hinged base I cut a piece of card stock 4-1/4″ x 8-1/2″ and a piece 4-1/4″ x 9-1/2″ from cream card stock.
- Score the 4-1/4″ x 9-1/2″ piece 1″ from the top and fold with the 1″ flap facing up, set aside.
- I cut two of each pocket from linen card stock .
- Using the card base panel cut to 4-1/4″ x 8-1/2, I glued Arched Elegant Pocket flap even with the top and bottom of the card.
- Then I folded Swirl Bliss Pocket over the top and bottom with the flap adhered to the back of the card.
- Stamp sentiment on a cream panel cut to 2-5/8″ x 7-1/2″ – mat with your linen card stock.
- Add ribbon around front panel and insert stamped sentiment into upper and lower pockets.
- Adhere front of card to the piece previously set aside that has the 1″ flap facing up. That gives you a hinged card.
- I cut a piece of card stock equal to the size of the front panel to go on the inside of the flap to hide my ribbon.
P.S. Don’t you just love this Helen Keller sentiment?
Stamps: Inky Antics
Paper: Neenah Classic Crest – Natural White – Cover – 80lb smooth, Papertrey Ink – Antique Linen
Ink: Colorbox Chalk Ink – Charcoal
Accessories: Spellbinders Swirl Bliss Pocket, Spellbinders Arched Elegance Pocket, Satin Ribbon (Gold) – The Paper Source, Recollection Pearls
I’ll be back soon!!
Lovely card, Becca. I’m always sad to see pretty dies retire, but I do understand why they can’t always stay in stock. (while thinking to my self, “but they should!!!”) Pretty card, lovely sentiment!
Joni
Lol, Joni, I think the same thing. I’ve decided to rejoice their retirement instead of wishing it would change. It does open the door for better things but so many of my favorites are going away. Kind of bittersweet, I’d say…
Beautiful card, Becca. I am so glad you mention which die will be discontinued. I too hate to see the dies retire but yes I do understand. There has been several times I have been looking for a retired die and unable to find. So thank you for letting us know. Keep up the beautiful work you do.
This is one of my favorite dies; in fact I purchased a second set so I could lay out and cut a design with one pass through the machine. I own quite a few of your designs and always look for them. APG dies are at the top of my list when shopping.
Hi Becca,
This really is a very pretty die and is sad to see it go, but you’re right in what you say the industry seems to be getting huge and there are so many dies Di.
What a sweet card and a lovely sentiment too. i do love the dies that Spellbinders bring to the market of yours and two or three are my go to dies.
I’m looking forward to seeing all your new designs, Becca.
Beautiful card, Becca! I love that sentiment! So sad dies do retire, but at least they had their moment in the sun, from your creative loving hands. Thank you for giving us a heads up on which ones will retire… gives us a chance to look through our stash to see what we are missing before they disappear.
Good morning Becca, alas parting is such sweet sorrow!!!
Beautiful card and the verse is pretty good too!!!
Have a good one!!!
Loopy Lyndaxxx
Such a gorgeous card here again, just as always Becca. And the sentiment is sooo true and beautiful too. Sorry to see this one die go, but thanks god, I was soo lucky to get one of our stores here to get it in here, so I have it safe and sound in my die drawer here to play with, whenever I fancy that. Can´t wait to see, what you´ll come up with next now.
Hi Becca. Great card and as you say unusual size but i like that! Thanks for the heads up on the dies. I have these so no worries thank goodness.
So sad to see this pretty die retire , but such a very beautiful card and sentiment to give it a fond farewell.
God Bless.
Elaine H X
Hi Becca love you have popped in today !! this card is
very different as in being flat something different is often a nice change.
Thank you for sharing and letting us know about the die I have it.
Hugs Pamxxxxxxxx
Hello Becca,
I adore this die and it is a shame when old favourites disappear but we look forward to seeing what new delights you will surprise us with.
I remember seeing the film “The Miracle Worker” in the 1960’s which was the life story of Helen Keller. It was gripping and inspiring.
Maureen xx
Hello Becca – I love the unique size and elegant feel of your card today. You managed to make a bit of a messy bow look like it was meant for the elegance of this card! I’m sorry some of your dies are going on an extended vacation. This die is beautiful and different. I will be checking my stash to see if I have it. If not, I’ll be looking for it. I’ve been on a reorganization of my dies so things are in a bit of an upheaval. But…I’m making progress!
Thank you for so many lovely little piece of art!
Morning Becca what a beautiful card and such a shame that this die is being retired, but I am sure that the designs you come up with in the future will be just as beautiful if not more so.
Wendyx
Beautiful card, Becca! Thanks for the heads up on the retiring die. It had been on my Wish List, so I placed an order for it this morning. Love the sentiment, as well. Is it an older one? I was unable to find it on the Inky Antics website. Looking forward to your new die designs.
I always love seeing your work- so soft and pretty!
Oohh, such a beautiful card! Thanks for showing how to layer the pockets!!! So elegant! So sorry to hear of the retirement…… when a door closes….a window opens. You taught me this! Take care.
This is such a lovely die. When I first started out several years ago in card making the only dies I knew about were Spellbinders. They could be purchased at the local big box stores as the Scrapbook stores had gone away. Once they went away they discontinued the Spellbinders out of the stores and didn’t bring them back for awhile. When they did, we never got to see these really pretty ones. When you’re on a budget and you have enough to purchase a new die it’s hard to spend another$ 7.00 or more on shipping for one item.
Beautiful card and I do love that Helen Keller sentiment.
Hi , Becca your cards are always so amazing. Yes it’s sad to see this die go but I know that you will come up with even more unique and beautiful dies .
So sad to see this die set being retired, it is gorgeous
Your card is beautiful, Becca, thanks for showing us how to make it!
Pretty card, Becca! Never have to worry about your dies being retired as I buy them when you first release them!! If it has Becca on it, I buy it! As a matter of fact, I am currently cutting 32 of Bliss Pocket for my 16 cards for Card Swap at Scrapbook Expo, Orlando. I will send you a picture when I have it all put together. This is one of my favorite dies, use it all the time. Sad but happy you will be designing more new ones. You keep me broke, girl!!
Hugs,
Ann R.
Such a beautiful card. It’s a shame some dies have to be ‘retired’ but I understand stores have to make room for the new ones.
A lovely card with a beautiful pocket die. I have this die of yours. By the way, the last time I was in Michaels, they had some of your dies on display for selling. That’s exciting!
I absolutely love the sentiment but it is especially inspiring to know it came from Helen Keller. She seemed to have such a loving heart. Sometimes I think the disabilities that we have (not just those seen outwardly ) are our greatest blessings. The thorn in our side can allow us to become better for God. I know saying goodbye to your designs are a little sad but how blessed you are to have been able to design and watch something grow that has brought much pleasure to so many. I am on a very limited income so I usually have to wait till something is discontinued and goes on sale before I can afford it. So see, you are still able to bring a blessing to others in this way. Cyber hugs my cyber friend, God bless…Denice with a “c”
Hi Becca,
Beautiful card and so are all the other ones I saw. I have both of those dies and many others of yours. Hope all is well with you. TFS
Hugs
Kay
I used this die in my daughter’s wedding invites, so glad that I have it! It made a beautiful pocket for all her informational inserts.
Becca, I have the Swirl Bliss Pocket die (so glad) and made a type of box you should us awhile back, beautiful!!! Wondered where we can get the Helen Keller verse. Could you email me? Thank you.
GORGEOUS card Becca!!! The sentiment is ‘oh so true’!!! Sad too to see this beautiful die being retired.
Paper Hugs,
Jan
Whew…. Picked that one up when it came out. That’s what I love about your dies. The do not just give you another beautiful embellishment but the the ones that give you a way to make unique cards or gifts are just too hard to come by, so I snap those up in an instant! Thanks for all your “thinking out of the box!”
I love all your work it’s beautiful. I’m your #1fan .Have a wonderful day.
Oh, Becca. What a beautiful, elegant card. I love these two dies layered together. Brilliant!!! Thank you for the inspiration. This is just gorgeous!
Becca, That is a beautiful card. I really like the saying from Hellen keller.
You are so creative, I wonder how you do it?
Hi, Becca,
Thank you for the ‘heads up’. I just added another one of your dies to my cart on Spellbinders, so this post comes at a perfect time. This is definitely a card I want to make.
Creating this space allows divine energy to flow freely. There’s just no end to your beautiful new ideas. So wonderful to witness.
I’m so excited to see what’s in store…
Love & blessings, Sandy
It’s hard to beat what everyone else is saying about this beautiful card. I have one of these of these dies, yet to be used. I think that is my project for today. Thank you for sharing your ideas. I am looking forward to the new babies coming as the older children leave.
Sigh, this is just breath-taking! Elegantly simplistic…..or simplistically elegant. It is to die for gorgeous!
GLAM, GLAM, GLAMOROUS, Becca! You continue to take my breath away. Love the glamorous elegance of this card. I always find myself drooling over your ribbons and bows. If and when you have the time, would you give us more information on the ribbons you use. It would be so helpful to know the width, fiber content, and weave. Would love to know how you tie them to get them to drape so beautifully. I guess my polyester ribbon is so stiff that it is not as pretty as the ones you make. Thanks a bunch and so happy to see you are designing more dies and cards. Hugs, Sara
Hi Becca, A truly gorgeous card !!
Lots of love from Patricia xx
Hi! Lovely card and cool, clever way to use the pockets! You’ve been an inspiration to me…..thank you!!!
Becca,
What a beautiful card. I love that quote by Helen Keller. So sorry that your dies are being retired. They are quite beautiful. thanks for sharing such a lovely card.
~Gin K.~
Oh WOW! Takes me away gorgeous!!!
The card is exquisite. The things that you combine are so unique. Love the way you compose your creations. Your perception and craft vision is something to be desired. Can not wait to see the new things that you’re designing. As requested before, please continue the die inventory list you started and include your most recent and new releases. That makes keeping up with my stash easier and prettier. The Helen Keller quote is inspiring. She was amazing, too! Quite the pair, you two make. Your choice of quotes is always on point.
Love how you used the two dies layered together!
just a beautiful card
Love your card. I have always admired Helen Keller and how she overcame being deaf and blind, with the help of Annie Sullivan of course. She is one of the few people that I would have liked to have met. I can understand why she says the best things must be felt with the heart. Many of the things I cherish I have felt the beauty and/or joy in my heart. Such a beautiful sentiment. So sorry about your friend.
Jackie
Beautiful card! A great idea to combine those two dies together. I use to never combine dies until I found you so thanks for opening my eyes a little more.
Is there a list somewhere that might have all your dies that are retiring? I would love to make sure that I don’t miss out on any of your designs because they are my favorite.
Beautiful card Becca, love your attention to detail x x x
Really sad to see this retired, such a classy die
Ideally wanted to own this.
Love the card too … simple non fussy elegance. Xxx
Beautiful! My wishlist moves so slow… they’re still on it. : ) Guess I’ll hafta visit them in the retirement home before they die. Sorry, I couldn’t help myself! lol!